Arthur D. Little

Arthur D. Little (ADL) is an international management consulting firm originally headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. The firm was founded in 1886 by Arthur Dehon Little, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology chemist who discovered acetate, and Roger B. Griffin, another chemist, and graduate of the University of Vermont. The two met while working for the Richmond Paper Company, an American paper mill in Rhode Island.

The company was originally known as Little & Griffin, named for its founders, until 1909 when Little incorporated the company. The firm helps clients navigate changing business ecosystems to uncover new growth opportunities.The company is considered the world's first management consulting firm, focusing on people, technology, and strategy.

Since their buyout by their partners in 2011, ADL has experienced steady growth in revenue and margins every year, including in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. They've invested in markets such as Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Americas. They've opened new offices and have a clear positioning on strategy, innovation, and transformation.

On its 135th anniversary, ADL launched a new brand identity emphasizing "The Difference" in how the company works with its clients and how it stands out in the consulting industry. One of the biggest ways ADL differentiates itself from others is through its promotion of an open consulting model that draws on a worldwide network of experts.